Whether you’re building your baby registry or looking to improve your little one’s bathing ritual, these handy baby-bath essentials, from toys to towels, will make your cutie’s bath routine a soothing, no-fuss affair. Read on for the 10 products you need for a better bath time.
1. Terrific Tub
There are a zillion baby bathtubs on the market, but the Shnuggle won us over for its smart design and aesthetic (like a miniature free-standing soaking tub—adorable!). Appropriate for baby’s first bath all the way up to 12 months, the Shnuggle holds baby securely in a reclined position from birth to six months and a safe sitting position from 6 to 12 months. A foam backrest and clever “bum bump” keeps baby comfy, while a compact design makes it easy to empty, clean (no mildew-collecting crevices!) and store.
Available at amazon.com, $38.
2. Rinse Aid
Help ensure shampoo sessions are tear-free with a nifty rinser. This cute whale-themed Moby Rinser from SKIP*HOP is a keeper thanks to an easy-grip handle, a cushy lip that forms to baby’s head to keep water where you want it, and interior ridges that channel the water away from baby’s eyes and ears.
Available at buybuybaby.com, $9.99.
3. Clever Cover
Make bath time safer by slipping this Moby Bath Spout Cover from SKIP*HOP over your tub faucet. The soft rubber protects baby from bumps and bruises, and it’s resistant to mold and mildew.
Available at buybuybaby.com, $12.99.
4. Super Suds
Formulated without questionable chemicals and fragrances, this gentle two-in-one shampoo and cleanser is full of natural and nourishing ingredients, such as aloe, chamomile, coconut oil and quinoa extract. It comes in four varieties: sweet orange vanilla, dreamy lavendar, apricot kiss and fragrance-free. Bonus: Mom and Dad can use it too.
Available at honest.com, $10.
5. Soft Scrub
Keep all of baby’s skin as soft as a baby’s bottom by adding the Fridababy DermaFrida SkinSoother into your bath routine. This multi-purpose tool can be used to brush away dry skin that causes itchiness, loosen and remove cradle cap, apply baby wash, or massage in baby lotion. Think of it as the Swiss army knife of baby bathing.
Available at target.com, $10.99.
Right after the bath, keep baby’s skin soft and hydrated with the Eczema Care Skin Protectant Cream from Babyganics. Safe for even ultra-sensitive skin, this cream spreads easily and creates a moisture barrier thanks to natural seed oils and colloidal oatmeal.
Available at target.com, $10.49.
7. Toy Time
When your baby is big enough to want to have some fun in the tub, toss in a few of these Marcus & Marcus silicone bath-toy squirters for long-lasting entertainment. They’re made of 100% non-toxic food-grade silicone (because: teething babies) and are made with a smart two-piece dishwasher-safe design that allows for easy cleaning (no mold!). Plus, they’re BPA- and phthalate-free.
Available at toysrus.com, $13.99 for three toys.
8. Wash and Dry
For getting your wee one squeaky clean, you can’t go wrong with Burt’s Bees Bee Essentials 3-pack washcloths. These terry cotton cloths are perfectly sized, oh-so-soft and 100% organic. Snag the matching, highly absorbent hoodie towel—also organic—to warm up your cutie post-wash.
Washcloths available at burtsbeesbaby.com, $5.95; hoodie towel available at burtsbeesbaby.com, $12.95.
9. Temperature Check
Everybody’s favorite bathtime friend, the rubber duckie, just got an amazing upgrade. This high-tech duckie from Newoink is a floating thermometer, clock, timer and baby bath toy all in one. You’ll be able to test the water temperature and stay on your bedtime schedule while your baby bonds with duckie.
Available at amazon.com, $18.99.
10. Take a Knee
Protect knees from hard flooring with this cushy Puj Pad Bath Kneeler. Quick-drying fabric and a non-slip backing make practical sense, while the herringbone pattern adds style.
Available at buybuybaby.com, $14.99.
What’s on your list of bath time essentials? Let us know in the comments.
— Suzanna Palmer
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